Disclaimer: I do not own transformers, they are owned by Hasbro. Chestnut and Illusion are my creations. Based in G1. Implied Slash and m preg– no like, no read. No flames or harsh comments. Constructive criticisms welcome. Enjoy.
Chestnut remained passed out as Optimus and Mirage made a visit to the post to gather Illusion as well as any other information that could be gleaned. Mirage was surprised at just how undamaged his mate looked considering the look of his rescuer. "Don't judge so fast, my twin. He has a bigger spark than you would know from looking at him" Illusion stated.
Optimus looked at the beaten up, rundown bot who had brought Illusion in unharmed. "It is obvious that he has more to him than meets the optic, Mirage" the Prime stated and Mirage nodded.
"But what I want to know is where he is from, as he obviously looks like he was raised on some pretty tough streets" Mirage stated. Carefully, Mirage, Optimus, and Illusion carried the bot through an underground passage so he could be treated in the Autobot med bay. Ratchet took one look at the bot and shot a look to Optimus, wondering where this bedraggled straggler had come from.
'All we know Ratchet was that he came across the Silver Desert by himself to try to figure out where Illusion belonged. Other than that, we know no history" Optimus stated.
Ratchet nodded. He knew of the rough, poor, dangerous streets that lay beyond the Silver Desert where you were more likely to die by a bot trying to survive than a con. Ratchet took one look at Illusion. 'I hope you realize just how lucky you are. I have known tougher bots who have made it to the other side of the great Silver dessert and didn't live to tell about it" ratchet stated, striking fear into Mirage and Illusion, but not Prime, who knew that area was one of the most dangerous on the entire planet.
"So if it is such a tough area, how did Illusion survive?" Mirage asked.
"This mech is obviously well-known and respected. He is as dangerous as he is kind. If this bot hadn't found your twin, we probably never would have – at least not alive. I only know of one name that has floated back from the other side – his name is Chestnut and he is deadly as a con, though he remains neutral – he has killed many a bot that has stepped on his turf and his name sends chills through both Autobot and Decepticon circles" Ratchet stated.
Upon hearing mention of his name, Chestnut stated to rouse. His systems roared online, scaring Mirage, who clung to his mate, Optimus. Illusion thought he would scared, but something about the roar of the systems made his spark skip pulses. Chestnut groaned, his systems were still sore from the long trek across the Silver Desert. But when he saw the bots around him, he immediately went into fight mode.
"Trying to take advantage of me while I am done, were you now?" Chestnut stated, his systems moving him faster than the other bots thought possible. Optimus didn't move, which Chestnut took as a challenge.
"You dare challenge me? What is your name shiny bot?" Chestnut bellowed.
"I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and we are not here to attack you" Optimus stated, standing his ground. "Who are you?"
"My name is Chestnut, and no one but no one takes advantage of me" Chestnut stated, causing the other bots, including Ratchet to take a step back, as Chestnut was known for being unpredictable. Ratchet got a sedative ready in case it was needed.
"I didn't come here to fight" Optimus stated, "We came here to thank you for returning one of our brethren." Chestnut warily watched the Prime, keeping a weapon and a trained optic on the bot while Illusion came forward.
"Chestnut, these bots won't hurt you. Put your weapons down, please" begged Illusion, scared for his mate. And after several more tense seconds, Chestnut stood down, though he still kept his sensors up.
Mirage watched with a careful optic as his twin calmly went up to this scary looking bot and gave the bot a big hug. Mirage was scared for his brother's safety, but he soon found he needn't worry, as Chestnut pulled the bot to him and gave him a small hug. Chestnut didn't know much about love, as he had never been shown any, but that little hug spoke volumes for his spark.
"Well, Disaster – I mean – Illusion has been returned to where he belongs. Once I regain all my strength, I will go back where I belong as I can see I don't necessarily belong here" Chestnut stated in his deep voice, causing Illusion to worry, as he didn't want this bot to go.
"What do you go back to? There is nothing there" Illusion stated.
"There is where I grew up, there is where I rule the streets – there is home. Yes, I don't have enough energon, yes, I drink twice recycled energon and I have no family or friends but it is all I know" Chestnut stated, causing Mirage to cry as the bot talked about how little he had yet how happy he was with it.
But Optimus stepped in. "You reputation precedes you here, Chestnut. We won't force you, but we would be glad if you would consider joining the Autobots" Prime stated.
Chestnut looked at the Prime. "I don't know shiny bot. I don't want to get involved in the war, as neither side cares for us on the other side of the Silver desert. We are a no man's land – forgotten and alone. What makes me think that the Autobots would actually try to help me and those who live where I live?" Chestnut asked, pointing out the obvious to the Prime. It was true, neither Cons nor Autobots had reached out to the dark pocket of bots – bots who felt neglected by the rest of society.
"We can work with you to help those who have nothing" Illusion stated, not wanting the bot to go.
Chestnut just looked at the bot, skeptical optics meeting optimistic ones. Chestnut knew he needed to make a decision, and he would use the few days he had to remain in Iacon to recover before he made his final decision.